Each year from April 11–17, communities across the country observeBlack Maternal Health Week, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness, amplifying voices, and advancing solutions to address the ongoing maternal health crisis impacting Black women.

Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the week brings together healthcare providers, policymakers, advocates, and families to confront disparities that continue to affect pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum outcomes.

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Black women in the United States are significantly more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth than their white counterparts. These disparities persist regardless of income or education level, pointing to systemic challenges in healthcare, access, and bias.

For Baltimore-area mother and mental health professional Shannon Wilson Saunders, those realities created fear even before her child was born.

“I was super anxious about actually giving birth and the experience because of all the media and social posts and statistics that we hear,” she shared. “Am I going to die? Am I going to be heard? Will I be cared for and respected?”

While Saunders ultimately had a positive experience, she says many women in her circle have not.

“I have a friend who almost died. I have a friend whose baby died… their stories have been very different—very traumatic,”

When asked what must change, Saunders points to a fundamental shift in how care is delivered.

“The biggest thing hospitals can do to change is to listen to Black moms with attentive respect and respond with action-based care,” she said. “If a Black mom tells you something feels ‘off,’ believe her.”

She recalled stories from friends who were not immediately believed when raising concerns during childbirth, including women who reported feeling pain during cesarean procedures.

“That is traumatic, and frankly, unacceptable,” she said.

Healthcare leaders agree that listening—and responding—can make the difference between safe outcomes and preventable complications.

At the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Jodie Bell, MSN, RN, IBCLC, assistant director for maternal newborn health, says improving outcomes starts with both clinical precision and patient-centered care.

“We really do want our vision to be that every patient, every time, will receive the care we would want for our own loved ones,” Bell explained.

One major improvement has been the shift from estimating blood loss during childbirth to measuring it more accurately.

“When you look at something like blood loss, a visual estimate is not going to be accurate,” Bell said, noting that quantitative measurement allows providers to respond more quickly when complications arise.

Those efforts are already making a measurable impact. GBMC reduced complication rates among Black patients experiencing postpartum hemorrhage from 10% to 2%, significantly narrowing disparities in maternal outcomes.

Beyond clinical changes, both providers and mothers emphasize the importance of education and advocacy.

Bell says preparing families with knowledge is essential—from prenatal classes to understanding warning signs after childbirth.

“We provide resources before discharge to every patient on post-birth warning signs,” she said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms like severe headaches, swelling, or other complications after returning home.

She also highlighted efforts to standardize education across providers and ensure patients are active participants in their care.

“We want a shared decision-making model where all risks and benefits are discussed and the patient can make an informed choice,” Bell said.

That approach aligns with Saunders’ call for respectful, bias-free care.

“Check your bias,” Saunders said. “A birthing person’s marital status, age, and other personal factors should not interfere with patient treatment.”

Black Maternal Health Week also underscores the role of partners, families, and communities in supporting mothers.

Saunders encourages men to be active advocates.

“If you have the privilege of being in the doctor’s office or a hospital with a Black mom-to-be, listen to what she is saying… and then speak up for her,” she said. “Ensure she is heard, and not ignored or dismissed. The follow-through is critical.”

Bell echoed the importance of support systems, noting that partners can play a key role both during and after childbirth.

“Even simple things—making sure she has something to drink while feeding the baby or recognizing signs of postpartum depression—can make a big difference,” Bell said, adding that education for support persons is just as important as it is for patients.

The conversation around maternal health extends well beyond delivery.

Bell emphasized that postpartum care is a critical—and often overlooked—phase, where complications can still arise and mental health support is essential.

“Postpartum depression is a very real thing,” she said, noting symptoms can include persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Both experts stress the importance of early intervention, community support, and ongoing care to ensure mothers do not navigate these challenges alone.

Hospitals like GBMC are demonstrating that meaningful change is possible through intentional strategies, improved clinical practices, and a commitment to equity.

But as advocates and families emphasize, progress must continue—and expand.

“Childbirth isn’t going anywhere,” Saunders said. “And frankly, it’s astounding that in 2026, the disparities are still this great.”

Her message is simple, but urgent:

“Maternal health is a human right. Let’s all do our part to protect it.”

As Black Maternal Health Week continues to grow in visibility and impact, it serves as both a reflection and a rallying point—reminding communities that while progress is being made, the work to ensure safe, respectful, and equitable care for every mother is far from over.